Modular microwave generators and methods for operating modular microwave generators

ABSTRACT

The modular microwave ablation system of the present disclosure includes a microwave instrument, a microwave generator, and one or more auxiliary modules that include circuitry for performing functions related to the operation of the microwave generator. The one or more auxiliary modules are removably connected to the microwave generator. The microwave generator includes a microwave signal generator that generates a microwave signal; a microwave generator controller in communication with the microwave signal generator; one or more terminals that connect to the one or more auxiliary modules, respectively; and a power supply and/or a power distribution module coupled to the microwave signal generator, the microwave generator controller, and the one or more terminals. The one or more terminals provide (1) power from the power supply and/or power distribution module to the one or more respective auxiliary modules and (2) communication signals to and from the one or more respective auxiliary modules.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/598,391, filed on May 18, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,583,336, whichclaims the benefit of the filing date of provisional U.S. PatentApplication No. 62/338,599, filed on May 19, 2016.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to modular microwave generators and tomethods for operating modular microwave generators including moduleswith localized and compartmentalized processors, memory, and/or otherstructures for performing auxiliary functions relating to microwaveablation procedures.

BACKGROUND

In microwave ablation, electromagnetic fields are used to heat anddestroy tumor cells. Treatment may involve inserting ablation probesinto tissues where cancerous tumors have been identified. Once theablation probes are properly positioned, the ablation probes induceelectromagnetic fields within the tissue surrounding the ablation probesto heat or ablate the tissue.

Typically, systems for microwave ablation procedures include a microwavegenerator and a microwave instrument such as an ablation probe having anantenna assembly. The microwave generator and microwave instrument areoperatively coupled to each other by a coaxial cable for carryingmicrowave signals from the microwave generator to the microwaveinstrument. Microwave generators typically include circuitry forgenerating microwave signals and a controller for controlling theoperation of the circuitry and controlling a user interface, such as adisplay, including user controls for setting characteristics of themicrowave signals, such as buttons for adjusting the power level of themicrowave signals.

Some microwave generators may incorporate additional features, such as atemperature measurement device or a microwave signal measurement device,to the assist the user in performing an ablation procedure. However, theuser may not be able to update or reconfigure those additional featuresto keep up with the latest technologies or to meet the changing needs ofa user. In some cases, the user may not even need some or all of theadditional features. In other cases, the microwave generator may notinclude or be compatible with new or updated features needed by theuser.

SUMMARY

In an aspect, the present disclosure features a microwave generator forgenerating microwave signals. The microwave generator includes amicrowave signal generator configured to generate a microwave signal, amicrowave generator controller in communication with the microwavesignal generator, a power supply electrically coupled to the microwavesignal generator and the microwave generator controller, and one or moreterminals configured to connect to one or more respective auxiliarymodules, each of which includes an electrical isolation circuit, ahardware processor, and a memory coupled to each other.

The one or more terminals provide (1) power from the power supply to theone or more respective auxiliary modules via the microwave generatorcontroller and (2) communication signals to and receiving communicationsignals from the one or more respective auxiliary modules to enable theone or more auxiliary modules to perform at least one operationindependent of the microwave signal generator and the power supply.

In another aspect, the microwave generator includes a power distributionmodule electrically connected between (1) the power supply and (2) themicrowave signal generator, the microwave generator controller, and theone or more terminals. The power distribution module conditions thepower output from the power supply and provides the conditioned power tothe microwave signal generator, the microwave generator controller, andthe one or more auxiliary modules.

In another aspect, the microwave generator includes a communications buscoupled between the microwave generator controller and the one or moreterminals. The microwave generator controller acquires data from the oneor more terminals via the communications bus and stores the data inmemory of the microwave generator controller.

In another aspect, the communications bus is coupled between themicrowave generator controller and the microwave signal generator andthe microwave generator controller transmits a portion of the datastored in the memory to the microwave signal generator.

In aspects, the power distribution module, the microwave signalgenerator, the microwave generator controller, and the one or moreauxiliary modules include respective field programmable gate arrays(FPGAs) coupled to the communications bus.

In aspects, the microwave generator controller controls the microwavesignal generator to generate a desired microwave signal.

In another aspect, the one or more auxiliary modules include aninstrument monitoring module configured to receive information relatingto a state or identity of the instrument.

In yet another aspect, the one or more auxiliary modules include atemperature monitoring module configured to monitor the temperature of atemperature probe.

In a further aspect, the one or more auxiliary modules include a userinterface module configured to receive user inputs.

In another aspect, the microwave generator further includes acommunications bus, wherein the one or more terminals are configured tocommunicate with the microwave generator controller via thecommunications bus.

In yet another aspect, each of the signal generator, the power supply,and the one or more auxiliary modules includes a power isolationcircuit.

In a further aspect, the present disclosure features a microwaveablation system including a microwave generator, a microwave instrumentcoupled to the microwave generator, and one or more auxiliary modulesremovably coupled to the microwave generator and including respectiveauxiliary controllers that independently control the circuitry of theone or more auxiliary modules and respective power isolation circuitsthat electrically isolate the one or more auxiliary modules from themicrowave generator. The microwave generator includes a microwave signalgenerator configured to generate a microwave signal, a microwavegenerator controller in communication with the microwave signalgenerator, a power supply electrically coupled to the microwave signalgenerator and the microwave generator controller, and one or moreterminals configured to receive the one or more respective auxiliarymodules. The power supply is configured to receive input power andindependently supply output power to the microwave signal generator andthe microwave generator controller, and the one or more terminalsprovide: (1) power from the power supply to the one or more respectiveauxiliary modules via the microwave generator controller and (2)communication signals to the one or more respective auxiliary modules toenable the one or more auxiliary modules to operate independently of themicrowave signal generator and the power supply.

In another aspect, the microwave generator includes a power distributionmodule electrically connected between (1) the power supply and (2) themicrowave signal generator, the microwave generator controller, and theone or more terminals. The power distribution module conditions thepower output from the power supply and provides the conditioned power tothe microwave signal generator, the microwave generator controller, andthe one or more auxiliary modules.

In another aspect, the microwave generator includes a communications buscoupled between the microwave generator controller and the one or moreterminals. The microwave generator controller acquires data from the oneor more terminals via the communications bus and stores the data inmemory of the microwave generator controller.

In another aspect, the communications bus is coupled between themicrowave generator controller and the microwave signal generator andthe microwave generator controller transmits a portion of the datastored in the memory to the microwave signal generator.

In aspects, the power distribution module, the microwave signalgenerator, the microwave generator controller, and the one or moreauxiliary modules include respective field programmable gate arrays(FPGAs) coupled to the communications bus.

In aspects, the microwave generator controller controls the microwavesignal generator to generate a desired microwave signal.

In another aspect, the microwave instrument is a microwave ablationprobe.

In another aspect, the microwave instrument includes a memory havingstored thereon information that is retrieved by the microwave generatoror transmitted by the microwave instrument to the microwave generator.

In another aspect, the stored information is instrument identificationinformation.

In another aspect, the instrument is an ablation tool includinginformation communicable to the generator.

In another aspect, the system further comprises a temperature probe.

In another aspect, the one or more auxiliary modules include a remotetemperature monitoring module configured to monitor a temperature of thetemperature probe.

In another aspect, the one or more auxiliary modules include instrumentmonitoring module configured to receive information of a state andidentity of an instrument.

In another aspect, the one or more auxiliary modules include a userinterface module configured to receive user inputs.

In a further aspect, the present disclosure features a method ofcontrolling a modular microwave generator including supplying power to apower distribution module, converting the supplied power to regulatedpower, supplying the regulated power to the microwave signal generatorand one or more auxiliary modules while the one or more respectiveauxiliary modules are coupled to the microwave generator controller,converting the regulated power to isolated power at the microwave powergenerator and at each of the one or more auxiliary modules,transmitting, by the microwave generator controller, communicationsignals to the one or more respective auxiliary modules while the one ormore respective auxiliary modules are coupled to the microwave generatorcontroller to configure at least one setting of each of the one or moreauxiliary modules, performing localized processing at the microwavegenerator controller and the one or more auxiliary modules, andcontrolling, by the microwave generator controller, the microwave signalgenerator to generate a desired microwave signal based on thecommunication signals received from at least one of the one or moreauxiliary modules.

In another aspect, the method includes receiving, at an instrumentmonitoring module coupled to the generator controller, information of astate and identity of a microwave instrument with an instrumentmonitoring module, transmitting, by an instrument monitoring module, thereceived information of a state and identity of the microwave instrumentto the microwave generator controller, and processing the state andidentity information to determine the desired microwave signal.

In another aspect, the method includes displaying the state and identityinformation on a display.

In another aspect, the method further includes monitoring, by atemperature monitoring module, temperature of a temperature probe with atemperature monitoring module, transmitting, by the temperaturemonitoring module, the received temperature of the temperature probe tothe microwave generator controller, and processing the receivedtemperature to determine the desired microwave signal or display thereceived temperature on a display.

In another aspect, the method includes receiving, at a user interfacemodule, a user input, transmitting , by the user interface module, theuser input to the microwave generator controller, and processing theuser input to determine the desired microwave signal, a powerlimitation, a temperature limitation, or a display option.

In another aspect, providing communication signals includes sending andreceiving signals via a communication bus.

In another aspect, the method includes applying the desired microwavesignal to target tissue to ablate the target tissue.

In another aspect, the method further includes receiving updated codefor the one or more auxiliary modules, determining, by the microwavegenerator controller, whether the one or more auxiliary modules arecoupled to the microwave generator, determining whether the one or moreauxiliary modules include updated code when it is determined that theone or more auxiliary modules are coupled to the microwave generator,and updating, by the microwave generator controller, the one or moreauxiliary modules with the updated code when it is determined that theone or more auxiliary modules include updated code.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein withreference to the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a microwave ablation system according toembodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a circuit block diagram of the microwave generator of FIG. 1according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a circuit block diagram of a generator controller of themicrowave generator of FIG. 2 according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 4 is a circuit block diagram of a microwave module of the microwavegenerator of FIG. 2 according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 5 is a circuit block diagram of an instrument monitoring module ofthe microwave generator of FIG. 2 according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a circuit block diagram of a remote temperature probemonitoring module of the microwave generator of FIG. 2 according to anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a circuit block diagram of a user interface module of themicrowave generator of FIG. 2 according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a method for operating a microwavegenerator and monitoring application of the microwave signal;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a method for generating a microwavesignal and monitoring an instrument applying the microwave signal;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method for generating a microwavesignal while monitoring temperature at a temperature probe;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a method for generating a microwavesignal in response to user inputs;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a method for programming anauxiliary module through a microwave generator controller;

FIG. 13 is a circuit block diagram of the microwave generator of FIG. 1according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 14 is a circuit block diagram of a system controller module of themicrowave generator of FIG. 13 according to another embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 15 is a circuit block diagram of a microwave module of themicrowave generator of FIG. 13 according to another embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 16 is a circuit block diagram of an instrument monitoring module ofthe microwave generator of FIG. 13 according to another embodiment ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 17 is a circuit block diagram of a remote temperature probe moduleof the microwave generator of FIG. 13 according to another embodiment ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 18 is a circuit block diagram of a user interface module of themicrowave generator of FIG. 13 according to another embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 19 is a circuit block diagram of a power distribution module of themicrowave generator of FIG. 13 according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure; and

FIG. 20 is a circuit block diagram of a power distribution module of themicrowave generator of FIG. 13 according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Particular embodiments of the present disclosure are described belowwith reference to the accompanying drawings. In the followingdescription, well-known functions or constructions are not described indetail to avoid obscuring the present disclosure in unnecessary detail.

Microwave generators may perform several functions in addition to andrelating to the main function of generating a microwave signal to beused by a microwave instrument. While additional features add utility toa microwave generator, they also require more power, use more processingresources, and add to the overall price. The present disclosure relatesto a modular microwave generator system that includes physical moduleswith decentralized and isolated processing to perform auxiliaryfunctions associated with the microwave generator. The modules may beadded to and removed from the microwave generator as necessary, allowinga user to purchase and enable only those functions needed for a givenprocedure.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a microwave ablation system in accordancewith embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1 , themicrowave ablation system 100 includes a microwave generator 110 and amicrowave applicator or a microwave instrument 180. The microwavegenerator 110 and microwave instrument 180 are connected together by areusable cable 160. The microwave instrument 180 may be associated withdevice ID memory 170 storing an identifier or a device ID. The device IDmemory 170 may be incorporated within the microwave instrument 180 ormay be a memory formed, for example, in a separate connector or adapterconfigured to mate with a connector of the reusable cable 160. Thus, thereusable cable 160 connects to the device ID memory 170, which, in turn,connects to the microwave instrument 180. Similar memories storingdevice ID information may be included in the reusable cable 160 and theradiometer 150. The microwave generator 110 may also be connected to afootswitch 140, which may include a memory storing a device ID, via afootswitch port on the microwave generator 110.

During the use of the microwave ablation system 100, a variety ofdifferent subsystems may be required. Typically, the operation of thesubsystems is controlled by a microprocessor-driven console (e.g., themicrowave generator 110). The microprocessor receives mechanical inputsfrom either the user or operator of the microwave ablation system 100 orfrom an assistant. A control input device, such as the footswitch 140,is used to accept mechanical inputs from the operator so that theoperator can govern the operation of the subsystems within the microwaveablation system 100. When actuated by an operator, the control inputdevice transmits electrical signals to the microprocessor controlsystem. The electrical signals are then used to control the operationalcharacteristics of a subsystem in the microwave ablation system 100.

Microwave generator 110, as shown in FIG. 1 , also includes digital port120. Digital port 120 is configured to receive a connector to establishconnections with a programming device or a device intended tocommunicate with individual components or modules of the microwavegenerator 110 (see FIG. 2 ). The programming device, while connected todigital port 120, may communicate and program the individual modulesthrough generator controller 220.

As shown in FIG. 1 , the microwave generator 110 is connected to aremote temperature probe 190. The remote temperature probe 190 mayinclude a temperature sensor such as a thermocouple or a thermistor, andmay include a memory storing a device ID or other information such asstatus information. The remote temperature probe 190 is operable tomeasure temperature of tissue at a surgical site. In one embodiment, theremote temperature probe 190 is configured to continuously output thetemperature signal to the microwave generator 110 allowing a user toobserve the temperature or to control the microwave generator 110.

FIG. 2 is a circuit block diagram of the microwave generator 110 of FIG.1 , which is configured to output microwave signals according to anembodiment of the present disclosure. Microwave generator 110 mayinclude any of, a subset of, or all of a power supply module or unit210, a generator control module or generator controller 220, a microwavemodule 230, an antenna or instrument monitoring module 250, a remotetemperature probe monitoring board or module 270, and a user interfacemodule 290.

The power supply unit 210 is electrically connected to the generatorcontroller 220 and the microwave module 230 to supply power to thegenerator controller 220 and the microwave module 230. The generatorcontroller 220, in turn, is electrically connected to the antenna orinstrument monitoring module 250, the remote temperature probemonitoring board or module 270, and the user interface module 290 byelectrical conductors, such as wires or traces, for supply power to theantenna or instrument monitoring module 250, the remote temperatureprobe monitoring board or module 270, and the user interface module 290.The generator controller 220 is also in communication with theinstrument monitoring module 250, the remote temperature probemonitoring board or module 270, and the user interface module 290through a communications conduit such as the electrical conductorsdescribed above, optical fibers, or a wireless communications link.

In embodiments, any of, a subset of, or all of these modules may beremovably connectable to ports or terminals of the microwave generator110. For example, only the auxiliary modules, e.g., the instrumentmonitoring module 250, the remote temperature probe monitoring module270, and the user interface module 290, may be removably connected tothe microwave generator 110 and the other modules may be morepermanently built into the microwave generator 110.

FIG. 3 illustrates generator controller 220 of microwave generator 110according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Generatorcontroller 220 includes a power isolator 310 that receives external DCvoltage from power supply unit 210. The power isolator 310 may include atransformer having a primary winding and a secondary winding. Powerreceived by power isolator 310 passes through the primary winding of thetransformer, which induces a current in the secondary winding of thetransformer proportional to the current received by power isolator 310.The induced current provides power to generator controllermicroprocessor 330. In an embodiment, power isolator 310 supplies powerto generator controller microprocessor 330 at, for example, 12 VDC witha maximum power draw of 50 W. Generator controller microprocessor 330further supplies 12 VDC to the generator subsystems, including microwavemodule 230, instrument monitoring module 250, remote temperature probemonitoring module 270, and user interface module 290.

Power isolator 310 further provides isolated power to a device connectedto an external digital port of microwave generator 110. An optocouplermay be substituted in place of a transformer in power isolator 310.Power isolator 310 may also include voltage level shifters and buckand/or boost converters.

Generator controller microprocessor 330 is a programmable processorconfigured through flash programming, or through other suitableprogramming methods and languages, to communicate digitally withmicrowave module 230, instrument monitoring module 250, remotetemperature probe monitoring module 270, user interface module 290,footswitch 140, other remote switches, and a device connected to digitalport 120 of microwave generator 110. Generator controller microprocessor330 may be calibrated through software calibration methods includingradix-based digital self-calibration, background equivalent radixextraction, interference cancelling, or hardware calibration methodsincluding the use of, for example, comparator/digital-to-analogconverter (DAC) combinations, digitally controllable low-pass filtersusing a digital potentiometer, calibration-multiplexers, or any hardwareand/or software solutions, to improve the digital communications links.As part of its communication with microwave module 230, instrumentmonitoring module 250, remote temperature probe monitoring module 270,and user interface module 290, generator controller microprocessor 330communicates information regarding the generator controllermicroprocessor 330 including, for example, status information, serialnumber, and firmware version to each component, while receiving, fromeach component, information regarding the generator controllermicroprocessor 330 including, for example, status information, serialnumber, and firmware version, which generator controller microprocessor330 continually processes and monitors.

Generator controller microprocessor 330 digitally communicates with userinterface module 290 to receive user inputs and send information thatmay be communicated to a user by user interface module 290. Generatorcontroller microprocessor 330 may issue a signal to user interfacemodule 290 causing user interface module 290 to prompt a user to enter amicrowave power level or a treatment time. Upon user selection, userinterface module 290 sends generator controller microprocessor 330 asignal indicating the selection and generator controller microprocessor330 receives and processes the signal before issuing signal to microwavemodule 230 to set the power level or treatment time. In the alternative,generator controller microprocessor 330 may delay a signal to microwavemodule 230. For instance, if generator controller microprocessor 330receives a treatment time, generator controller microprocessor 330 sendsa signal to microwave module 230 only when the allotted time has ended.While the treatment occurs, generator controller microprocessor 330counts down the selected treatment time. In addition to issuing an endsignal to microwave module 230, generator controller microprocessor 330communicates with user interface module 290 throughout the countdown tosend user interface module 290 information regarding the remainingtreatment to display including the remaining treatment time to indicateto a user how much time remains.

Generator controller microprocessor 330 may additionally issue commandsignals to user interface module 290 causing user interface module 290to prompt a user to reset a system startup default state. Upon receivinga user input, user interface module 290 sends a signal to user interfacemodule 290 indicating the user input. If user interface module 290receives a reset signal, settings saved in a memory of user interfacemodule 290 are erased and replaced with factory default settings savedin long term memory.

Generator controller microprocessor 330 may additionally issue commandsignals to user interface module 290 causing user interface module 290to prompt a user to set an interlock state. Example interlock stateconditions include, but are not limited to, temperature, voltage,current, and/or power limits. Additional ranges and limits may befactory set or established according to an equation dependent onparticular settings selected by the user. Generator controllermicroprocessor 330 receives temperature information from Remotetemperature probe monitoring module 270 and power information frommicrowave module 230.

If a measurement deviates beyond an interstate lock or an additionalrange or limit, generator controller microprocessor 330 causes microwavemodule 230 to halt the application of microwave energy and issues asignal to user interface module 290 to cause user interface module 290to display an indicator that the interstate lock or an additional rangeor limit has been exceeded. If an interstate lock has been exceeded,user interface module 290 may prompt the user to acknowledge, clear,and/or alter the interlock state.

Generator controller microprocessor 330 may additionally issue commandsignals to user interface module 290 causing user interface module 290to display various pieces of information, including, but not limited to,tool temperature, tool identity, type and model of modules present,and/or errors. A user may select to acknowledge and/or clear a displayedpiece of information, and generator controller microprocessor 330 willsignal user interface module 290 to discontinue the display of thechosen information.

Generator controller microprocessor 330 may additionally issue a signalto user interface module 290 causing user interface module 290 to prompta user to start and stop an ablation procedure. If a start or stop inputis received from the user, generator controller microprocessor 330signals microwave module 230 to begin or discontinue the application ofa microwave signal. In the alternative, a user may cause generatorcontroller microprocessor 330 to start or stop an ablation procedure bydepressing or ceasing to depress footswitch 140.

FIG. 4 illustrates microwave module 230 of microwave generator 110according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Microwave module230 contains various components including Pulse Width Modulation (PWM)controller 410, internal temperature monitor 420, microwave modulesubsystem controller 430, amplifier 440, applied power monitor 450,reflected power monitor 460, patient isolator 480, digital bus isolator490, and power isolator 495. Microwave module subsystem controller 430receives power, e.g., 12 VDC with a maximum power draw of 350 W, fromgenerator controller 220 through power isolator 495. Power isolator 495isolates the power supplied to microwave module subsystem controller 430from generator controller 220.

Microwave module subsystem controller 430 is a programmable processorconfigured through flash programming, or through other suitableprogramming methods and languages, to produce up to, for example, 150 W,according to a setting set by a user, and maintain the power settingwithin, for example, a −5% to +20% range. Microwave module subsystemcontroller 430 is configured with interlock state settings pertaining topower, current, voltage, temperature, or any other measurable standardsuitable for protecting microwave module 230. If an interlock isexceeded, the microwave module subsystem controller 430 may cease thesupply of power to any or all components included in microwave module230.

Microwave module subsystem controller 430 may be calibrated, throughsoftware calibration methods including radix-based digitalself-calibration, background equivalent radix extraction, interferencecancelling, or hardware calibration methods including the use of, forexample, comparator/DAC combinations, digitally controllable low-passfilters using a digital potentiometer, and calibration-multiplexers, orany combination of hardware and software solutions, to improve thedigital communications links.

Power is received by power isolator 495 from generator controller 220.Power isolator 495 is similar to power isolator 310, which includes oneor more transformers, one or more optocouplers, or other suitablecircuitry for electrically isolating microwave module 290 from the othermodules and circuitry of the microwave ablation system 100. Powerisolator 495 provides power to a microwave module subsystem controller430. In some embodiments, the power isolator 495 may also provide powerto amplifier 440.

Internal temperature monitor 420 continually measures the temperature ofamplifier 440. Internal temperature monitor 420 may employ athermocouple, a thermistor, or other suitable temperature sensor.Internal temperature monitor 420 further transmits temperature data tomicrowave module sub system controller 430. Microwave module sub systemcontroller 430 routes amplifier 440 temperature data through digital busisolator 490 to generator controller 220 as a value in, for example,degrees Celsius. While monitoring temperature of amplifier 440, internaltemperature monitor 420 may cause a cooling system to redistribute andremove heat generated by amplifier 440.

PWM controller 410 generates a pulse width controlled power signalaccording to instructions from microwave module subsystem controller430. Frequency controller 470 generates a frequency controlled powersignal according to instructions from microwave module subsystemcontroller 430. Amplifier 440 receives a Pulse Width Modulation (PWM)signal from PWM controller 410, a frequency control signal fromfrequency controller 470, and power, e.g., 36 VDC with a maximum powerdraw of 350 W, from power supply unit 210. Using the power from thepower supply unit, amplifier 440 amplifies the PWM signal and changesthe frequency of the PWM signal according to the frequency controlsignal to produce a microwave signal. The power signal is provided topatient isolator 480 through applied power monitor 450. Applied powermonitor 450 determines the power, voltage, current, and waveform of themicrowave signal and communicates the information with microwave modulesubsystem controller 430 to allow microwave module subsystem controller430 to recalibrate the microwave signal.

At patient isolator 480, the patient is isolated from the microwavemodule power source. Patient isolator 480 may include, for example, oneor more transformers. Patient isolator outputs a microwave signal toinstrument 180.

Reflected power monitor 460, connected to patient isolator 480, monitorsthe reflected return signal. Reflected power monitor 460 can measurevoltage, current, power, and/or impedance. Information determined atreflected power monitor 460 is communicated with microwave modulesubsystem controller 430, where it allows microwave module subsystemcontroller 430 to calibrate the microwave signal. Microwave modulesubsystem controller 430 may compare information from reflected powermonitor 460 and applied power monitor 450 to determine the loss andphase shift between incident and reflected waves of the microwavesignal. Additionally, microwave module subsystem controller 430 maycommunicate raw data or processed data through digital bus isolator 490,which is configured, using a transformer or other isolation device, toelectrically isolate microwave module sub system controller 430 fromother modules connected to the digital bus.

FIG. 5 is a circuit block diagram of instrument monitoring module 250 ofmicrowave generator 110 according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure. Instrument monitoring module 250 includes digital busisolator 510, power isolator 590, instrument monitoring subsystemcontroller 530, instrument temperature monitor 550, pass through circuit570, and device ID reader 580. Power isolator 590 is similar to powerisolator 310, which includes one or more transformers, one or moreoptocouplers, or other suitable circuitry for electrically isolating theuser interface module 290 from the other modules and circuitry of themicrowave ablation system 100. The power isolator 680 provides power toinstrument monitor subsystem controller 530.

Instrument monitor subsystem controller 530, controls and communicateswith instrument temperature monitor 550, pass through circuit 570, anddevice ID reader 580. Instrument monitor subsystem controller 530 alsocommunicates with generator controller 220 through a digital busconnected to digital bus isolator 510, which relays a communicationsignal while electrically isolating instrument monitor sub systemcontroller 530.

Upon startup or at any time as requested by the generator controller orby a user, instrument monitor subsystem controller 530 may instructdevice ID reader to receive from device ID memory 170 the device ID ofinstrument 180 via reusable cable 160. Device ID memory 170 mayalternatively be a resistor. Device ID reader 580 may receive asingle-ended signal. Data from the received signal is then communicatedto instrument monitor subsystem controller 530 for processing andcommunication to generator controller 220.

Upon starting a procedure, instrument monitor subsystem controller 530instructs instrument temperature monitor 550 to begin monitoring atemperature of the instrument. The instrument temperature monitor 550determines a voltage differential across two lines connected with, forexample, a thermocouple or thermistor, to determine a temperature ofinstrument 180.

Pass through circuit 570 receives a microwave output signal through thereceive (Rx) channel and outputs the same microwave output signalthrough the transmit (Tx) channel unchanged or at least with minorchanges. Pass through circuit 570 measures voltage and current waveformsand transmits the waveform information to instrument monitor subsystemcontroller 530. Instrument monitor subsystem controller 530 analyzes thedata and transmits the information to generator controller 220 via thedigital bus and digital bus isolator 510.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is the use of the radiometer150. The radiometer 150 detects emissions from materials such as tissue,for example. The emissions detected by the radiometer 150 both beforeand after application of microwave energy can be sampled and convertedto either an analog voltage or a digital signal and forwarded to theinstrument monitor subsystem controller 530. FIG. 1 depicts theradiometer 150 as being a separate component of the system. However,this functionality can be implemented directly in the instrument monitorsubsystem controller 530 analyzing the signals on the pass throughcircuit 570.

With this information, the instrument monitor subsystem controller 530may change or alter or modify or adjust the energy delivered by themicrowave generator 110 based on the tissue characteristics encounteredby the instrument 180. For example, when the tissue contacted by theinstrument 180 and sensed by the radiometry detector or radiometer 150is healthy tissue, the instrument monitor subsystem controller 530 mayprevent microwave generator 110 from applying energy to the tissue. Onthe other hand, as the instrument 180 approaches tumorous tissue, theinstrument monitor subsystem controller 530 may prompt the microwavegenerator 110 to transmit energy to cauterize the tumorous tissue. Thedetection of the tumorous tissue (or healthy tissue) may be enabled byfirst transmitting from the microwave generator 110 through theinstrument 180 a non-therapeutic signal (e.g., very low power orduration) at the tissue in question and evaluating the emitted responseto the interrogation. The instrument monitor subsystem controller 530can then employ algorithms and protocols to ascertain the type of tissueand present these results to the user via a connected display or anoutput on the microwave generator 110.

Further, by continuing to detect the change in the radiometry readingduring the application of energy, the instrument monitor subsystemcontroller 530 can make determinations regarding the cessation, or thesufficiency of the treatment of the tumorous tissue. The detected permitthe instrument monitor subsystem controller 530 to adjust operations ofthe microwave generator 110 based on the feedback received from theinstrument 180. Detection of radiometry enables detection of heating ofthe tissue by detecting electromagnetic waves of a frequency and signalstrength emitted by the tissue indicating tissue temperature. Preferablythe radiometer 150 operates at a frequency in the microwave range.

FIG. 6 illustrates remote temperature probe monitoring module 270 ofmicrowave generator 110 according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure. Remote temperature probe monitoring module 270 receivespower, e.g., 12 VDC with a maximum power draw of 350 W, from generatorcontroller 220 through power isolator 680. Power isolator 680 is similarto power isolator 310, which includes one or more transformers, one ormore optocouplers, or other suitable circuitry for electricallyisolating the user interface module 290 from the other modules andcircuitry of the microwave ablation system 100. The power isolator 680provides power to the temperature probe subsystem controller 620.

Temperature probe subsystem controller 620 communicates with andcontrols probe temperature monitor 640. Temperature probe subsystemcontroller 620 also communicates with generator controller through adigital communications bus connected to digital bus isolator 660 whichelectrically isolates temperature probe subsystem controller 620 fromthe other circuitry and modules in the microwave generator 110. Thedigital bus isolator 660 may include a capacitor or other isolationcomponent or barrier, a transmitter to couple a communication signalinto one side of the isolation component, and a receiver to convert thesignal on the other side of the isolation component into a digitalsignal. The digital bus isolator 660 may include multiple isolationcomponents, transmitters, and receivers to allow for bidirectionalcommunication between the temperature probe subsystem controller 620 andthe generator controller 220.

Upon starting a procedure, instrument monitor subsystem controller 530of the instrument monitoring module 250 may instruct probe temperaturemonitor 640 of the remote temperature probe monitoring module 270 tobegin monitoring a temperature of remote temperature probe 190. Remotetemperature probe 190 is placed at or near an ablation site to monitortissue temperature. The temperature at the site is then measured by atemperature sensor of the remote temperature probe 190, such as athermocouple or thermistor. The instrument temperature monitor 550 maymeasure the temperature by measuring a voltage differential across twolines connected to the temperature sensor within remote temperatureprobe 190.

FIG. 7 illustrates user interface module 290 of microwave generator 110according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. User interfacemodule 290 includes power isolator 790, digital bus isolator 710, userinterface subsystem controller 730, display 750, display buttons 770,and speaker/driver 780. Power isolator 790 is similar to power isolator310, which includes one or more transformers, one or more optocouplers,or other suitable circuitry for electrically isolating the userinterface module 290 from the other modules and circuitry of themicrowave ablation system 100. The power isolator 790 provides power tothe user interface sub system controller 730.

User interface module 290 controls and communicates with display 750,display buttons 770, and speaker/driver 780. Display 750 is any suitabledevice configured to display information to a user, including, but notlimited to, a Light-Emitting Diode (LED) display, a Liquid CrystalDisplay (LCD), or an Organic Light-Emitting Diode (OLED) display. Userinterface subsystem controller 730 receives information from generatorcontroller 220 regarding settings and condition of the system as well asstatus and data from other modules. User interface subsystem controller730 further receives user input from display buttons 770 or othersuitable user controls. User interface subsystem controller 730transmits the information regarding the system and/or user inputs todisplay 750 and causes display 750 to display, to a physician oroperator, the current state of the generator, selected settings,indicators of warnings or errors, a navigable interface, and/or otherinformation that would be useful to a physician or operator during amicrowave ablation procedure.

Display buttons 770 enable a physician or an operator to select optionsdisplayed on display 750. By manipulating display buttons 770, aphysician or operator may set thresholds, including those for voltage,temperature, impedance, and/or current. A physician or operator mayfurther manipulate display buttons 770 to set a desired microwavesignal, to adjust the microwave signal, to set a time for microwavesignal application, or to start and stop microwave signal generation.

Speaker/driver 780 produces an audio signal to provide statusinformation to a physician or operator. The audio signal may inform thephysician or operator that generator controller 220 has determined anerror. Generator controller 220 may transmit error information to userinterface subsystem controller 730, which generates an audio signalindicative of an error and transmits it to speaker/driver 780.Additionally, user interface subsystem controller 730 may causespeaker/driver 780 to produce audio signals to indicate that microwavesignal application has begun or ended.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a method for generating a microwavesignal and monitoring an instrument applying the microwave signal,according to one embodiment. Power is applied to the generator through,for example, a battery or a wall outlet. The received power isconverted, at step 802, to a useable power supply, such as a 12 VDCsupply. At steps 804 the useable power is provided to microwave module230. At step 806, the useable power passes through a power isolator 310including a transformer at generator controller 220, providing isolatedpower to be used at the controller board of generator controller 220. Atstep 808, generator controller microprocessor 330 receives the isolatedpower and generates regulated power to be provided to other componentsor modules.

At step 812, it is determined whether an auxiliary module is coupled toa terminal of the microwave generator. Generator controllermicroprocessor 330 may send a query signal to the terminals or monitorfor a draw of power from the terminals to determine if an auxiliarymodule is coupled to a terminal. In the alternative, the auxiliarymodules, such as those described in FIGS. 5-7 , may send a signalindicating their presence. If an auxiliary module is determined to becoupled to a terminal, the process proceeds to step 814 where regulatedpower is supplied to any auxiliary modules coupled to the terminals ofthe microwave generator. If an auxiliary module is determined not to becoupled to a terminal, the process proceeds to step 816. At step 816,regulated power is supplied to microwave signal generator, such asmicrowave module 230.

At step 818, a desired microwave signal is determined according to, forexample, a user input, a factory setting, or a tool specification. Atstep 820, the microwave generator generates a microwave signal accordingto the desired microwave signal and supplies the microwave signal to aninstrument to perform a microwave ablation procedure. While theprocedure takes place, microwave module 230 monitors the microwavesignal applied to the instrument and receives and monitors a reflectedpower signal from the instrument. Microwave module 230 may store andprocess the information locally or transmit the information via thecommunications bus to generator controller 220. At step 824, microwavemodule 230 or generator controller 220 analyzes the applied microwavesignal and the reflected microwave signal, compares the appliedmicrowave signal and the reflected microwave signal, and determineswhether the comparison or the individual signals are withinpredetermined thresholds for determining successful and accurateapplication of the microwave signal.

At step 826, if it is determined that the microwave signals are notwithin predetermined thresholds, the process continues to step 828 wherethe generated microwave signal is adjusted by microwave module 230,optionally after receiving an instructive signal from generatorcontroller 220. Once the microwave signal has been adjusted, the processreturns to repeat steps 822 through 826.

If, at step 826, it is determined that the microwave signals are withinpredetermined thresholds, the method proceeds to step 830 where it isdetermined whether the procedure has been completed, determined through,for example, a timer or a user's decision to end the procedure. If it isdetermined that the procedure is not complete, steps 822 through 830 arerepeated until the procedure is complete. If it is determined that theprocedure is complete, the process ends.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a method for generating a microwavesignal and monitoring an instrument applying the microwave signal,according to one embodiment. At the outset, a physician or operatordetermines which removable modules or circuits are required for thesurgical procedure. If the operator determines that the instrumentcontains identification information and is designed to provide statusinformation, the operator may choose to couple instrument monitoringmodule 250 to microwave generator 110. The instrument monitoring module250 is coupled to microwave generator 110 by, for example, plugginginstrument monitoring module 250 into a terminal or port of microwavegenerator 110. In some embodiments, the terminals or ports of microwavegenerator 110 include apertures or holes configured to receive pins ofinstrument monitoring module 250 and create a friction fit. Themicrowave generator is then connected to a power source such as anoutlet, a battery, or any other suitable source of sustained powersuitable for completing a microwave surgical procedure.

At step 902, power supply unit 210 draws power from the power source andconverts the power to a lower, useable level, for example, 12 V, capableof powering microwave generator controller 220 and microwave module 230.At steps 904 and 906, the converted power is provided to microwavemodule 230 and microwave generator controller 220. In the generatorcontroller 220, the converted power passes through a power isolator suchas a transformer in order to provide isolated power to the subsystemcontrollers 330, 430. At step 908, microwave generator controllermicroprocessor 330 generates regulated power.

At step 910, it is determined whether instrument monitoring module 250is coupled to a terminal connected to generator controller 220.Generator controller 220 sends a query signal to a module uponconnection of the module to an available terminal. If the module isinstrument monitoring module 250, the module transmits a signalindicating its identity as instrument monitoring module 250 to generatorcontroller 220.

After instrument monitoring module 250 is identified, microwavegenerator controller microprocessor 330 supplies regulated power toinstrument monitoring module 250 and microwave module 230 at step 912.

At step 914, instrument monitoring module 250 queries instrument 180 anddetermines the device ID and/or status information, including, forexample, the number of previous uses of instrument 180. At step 916,instrument monitoring module 250 processes the device ID and/or statusinformation and transmits the device ID and/or status information tomicrowave generator controller 220 via a digital bus. At step 918,microwave generator controller 220 displays the device ID and/or statusinformation on a display, which the physician or operator can read todetermine if the tool is suitable for use. Microwave generatorcontroller 220 determines a desired microwave signal best suited forselected instrument 180 and for the type of procedure carried out byinstrument 180.

After the desired microwave power is determined, the surgical procedureis ready to begin. A physician or operator may activate the microwavepower generator by entering a user input, by, for example, depressing afoot pedal or selecting an option on a user interface display. Themicrowave power generator may continue generating microwave power untilan end signal is received or until an activate signal ceases to bereceived. At step 920, microwave module 230 generates the desiredmicrowave signal as instructed by microwave generator controller 220 andprovides that microwave signal to instrument 180. At step 922, thesurgical procedure begins. The surgical procedure may include applyingmicrowave power to target tissue in order to ablate the target tissue.At step 924, instrument monitoring module 250 reads status information,including temperature, voltage, current, and/or impedance, frominstrument 180 and determines if the status information exceedspredetermined status thresholds at step 926. Determining whether athreshold has been exceeded may occur at microwave module 230 and thedetermination may be sent to microwave generator controller 220, ormicrowave module 230 may transmit the status information to microwavegenerator controller 220 for microwave generator controller 220 todetermine whether a threshold is exceeded.

If the tool status is not within a predetermined threshold, the processproceeds to step 928. At step 928, microwave generator controller 220determines how to react to an out of threshold status. If the microwavegenerator is programmed to halt the application of microwave power whena threshold has been exceeded, the process ends. If the microwavegenerator controller 220 is programmed to adjust the microwave signal,the process proceeds to step 836 at which the microwave signal isadjusted so that the procedure may continue.

If the tool status is within a predetermined threshold, the procedurecontinues to step 932. At step 932, it is determined whether theprocedure is complete. The determination is made by a physician oroperator or by microwave generator 110 according to predetermined goals,such as the achievement of a predetermined ablative zone. If theprocedure is not complete, the process returns to step 924. If theprocedure is complete, the process ends.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method for generating a microwavesignal while monitoring temperature at a temperature probe, according toone embodiment. At the outset, a physician or operator determines whichremovable modules are required for the surgical procedure to beperformed. If the operator determines that remote temperature probe 190is required, the physician or operator chooses to couple remotetemperature probe monitoring module 270 to microwave generator 110. Theremote temperature probe monitoring module 270 maybe be removablycoupled to microwave generator 110 by, for example, plugging remotetemperature probe monitoring module 270 into a port or terminal withinmicrowave generator 110. In some embodiments, the ports within microwavegenerator 110 include apertures or holes configured to receive pins ofremote temperature probe monitoring module 270 and create a frictionfit. The microwave generator is connected to a power source such as anoutlet, a battery, or any other suitable device for providing sustainedpower suitable for completing a microwave surgical procedure.

At step 1002, power supply unit 210 draws power from the power sourceand converts it to a lower, useable level, for example, 12 volts,capable of powering microwave generator controller 220 and microwavemodule 230. At steps 1004 and 1006, the converted power is provided tomicrowave module 230 and microwave generator controller 220 where itpasses through a transformer circuit in order to provide isolated powerto the subsystem controllers 330, 430. At step 1008, microwave generatorcontroller microprocessor 330 generates regulated power. The generatedregulated power is use to power various generator modules and providedpower for a bus providing communication among modules and various portsand/terminals.

At step 1014, microwave generator controller microprocessor 330, usingthe bus, queries the various terminals to determine if a removablemodule is coupled to any of the terminals. Microwave generatorcontroller microprocessor 330 receives a response signal from remotetemperature probe monitoring module 270 via the bus indicating thatremote temperature probe monitoring module 270 is coupled to a port andinitiating a connect for supplying power to remote temperature probemonitoring module 270. At steps 1012 and 1014, regulated power isprovided, via the bus, to remote temperature probe monitoring module 270and microwave module 230.

After a desired microwave signal is determined, the surgical procedureis ready to begin. A physician or operator may activate the microwavesignal generation by entering a user input, by, for example, depressinga foot pedal. When a start signal is received, generator controller 220controls microwave module 230, at step 1014, to generate the desiredmicrowave signal and transmit it to instrument 180. In some embodiments,the generator controller 220 performs a small portion of the controlfunctions for generating a microwave signal while the microwave module230 performs the majority of the control functions.

At step 1016, the procedure begins. The procedure may include applyingmicrowave power to target tissue in order to ablate the target tissue.At step 1018, remote temperature probe monitoring module 270 reads atissue temperature at the location of remote temperature probe 190 andtransmits the reading to generator controller microprocessor 330. Thedetermined tissue temperature is displayed on a display at step 1020.

At step 1022, generator controller 220 or remote temperature probemonitoring module 270 determines whether a tissue temperature thresholdhas been exceeded. If the threshold is exceeded, the process proceeds tostep 1024 where it is determined whether microwave generator 110 is setto adjust the output microwave power or stop the application of theoutput microwave power. If microwave generator 110 is set to stop outputmicrowave power, the process ends. If microwave generator 110 is set toadjust the output microwave power, the output microwave power isadjusted at step 1026 and the process returns to step 1018.

If the temperature is within the threshold at step 1024, the processcontinues to step 1030. At step 1030, microwave generator 110, aphysician, or an operator determines whether the procedure is complete.If the procedure is determined to be complete, the process ends. If theprocedure is determined not to be complete, the process returns to step1018. Steps 1018-1028 are repeated until microwave generator 110, aphysician, or an operator determines that the procedure is complete.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a method for generating a microwavesignal in response to user inputs, according to one embodiment. At theoutset, a physician or operator determines which removable modules areneeded for the surgical procedure to be performed. If the operatordetermines that a user interface is needed, the operator couples userinterface module 290 to the microwave generator 110. The user interfacemodule 290 may be connected to microwave generator 110 by, for example,plugging user interface module 290 into a port or terminal withinmicrowave generator 110, wherein the ports within microwave generator110 include holes configured to receive pins of instrument monitoringmodule 250 and create a friction fit. Microwave generator 110 isconnected to a power source such as an outlet, a battery, or any othersuitable of sustained power suitable for completing a microwave surgicalprocedure.

At step 1102, power supply unit 210 draws power from the power sourceand converts the power to a lower, useable level, for example, 12 volts,capable of powering microwave generator controller 220 and microwavemodule 230. At steps 1104 and 1106, the converted power is provided tomicrowave module 230 and microwave generator controller 220 where itpasses through a transformer circuit in order to provide isolated powerto the subsystem controllers 330, 430 for powering microwave generatorcontroller 220 and microwave module 230. At step 1108, microwavegenerator controller microprocessor 330 generates regulated power whichis provided to microwave module 230 at step 1110.

At step 1112, microwave generator controller microprocessor 330, usingthe bus, queries the various terminals to determine if a removablemodule is coupled to any of the terminals. If microwave generatorcontroller microprocessor 330 receives a response signal from userinterface module 290 via the bus indicating that user interface module290 is coupled to a port, it is determined that user interface module290 is coupled to a terminal, at step 1114, if it is determined thatuser interface module 290 is not coupled to a terminal, the processproceeds to step 1124. If it is determined that user interface module290 is coupled to a terminal, the process proceeds to step 1116.

At step 1116, a connection is established and regulated power issupplied to user interface module 290 via the bus. The supplied powerpowers display 750, speaker/driver 780, and enables display buttons 770.Using display buttons 770 or a display 750 touchscreen, the user mayenter an input. At step 1118, user interface module 290 receives userinputs from a physician or an operator. Inputs may include powersettings, temperature and impedance thresholds, and ablation time. Atstep 1120, the input information is transmitted from user interfacemodule 290 to generator controller 220 for processing and controllingthe system according to the user inputs at step 1118. At step 1122,generator controller 220 determines a desired microwave power accordingto user inputs.

After the desired microwave power is determined, the surgical procedureis ready to begin. A physician or operator may activate the microwavesignal generation by entering a user input, by, for example, depressinga foot pedal. At step 1124, in response to an activation signal,microwave module 230 generates a microwave signal according to thedetermined desired microwave signal and provides that microwave signalto instrument 180. The microwave signal may continue to be generateduntil an end signal is received or until the activating signal ceases tobe received.

Once the microwave power is generated, the procedure may begin. Theprocedure may include applying microwave power to target tissue in orderto ablate the target tissue. At step 1128, a determination is made,either by an operator or by microwave generator 110, according topredetermined goals, such as the achievement of a predetermined ablativezone or an end of a set period, whether the procedure is complete. Ifthe procedure is not complete, the process returns to step 1126 and themicrowave energy continues to be applied to the target tissue. If theprocedure is complete, the process ends.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a method for programming anauxiliary module through a microwave generator controller, according toone embodiment. At step 1202, a physician or operator connects anexternal programming device to digital port 120 using, for example, aUSB connector or any other suitable connector. At step 1204, theexternal programming device and generator controller microprocessor 330,establishes communication. Either the external programming device orgenerator controller microprocessor 330 may relay an initial request tocommunicate. After establishing a connection, at step 1206, generatorcontroller microprocessor 330 queries terminals to determine that one ormore auxiliary modules are coupled to the terminals. If one or moreauxiliary modules are coupled to the terminals, the one or moreauxiliary modules will send a signal indicating their presence togenerator controller microprocessor 330. Then, generator controllermicroprocessor 330 may probe the coupled modules to received informationto present to a user via the programming device and allow the user toselect a module for programming. At step 1212, generator controllermicroprocessor 330 determines whether the selected module contains aprevious version of program code or if the memory lacks program code.

At step 1214, if the selected auxiliary module does not contain aprevious version of the code, the process proceeds to step 1218. If theselected specialize module contains previous programming information,controller microprocessor 330 causes the previous programminginformation to be deleted from a memory of the selected auxiliarymodule, in step 1216.

At step 1218, generator controller microprocessor 330 allows theexternal programming device to access the selected module, such asmicrowave module 230, instrument monitoring module 250, remotetemperature probe monitoring module 270, and user interface module 290,through the communication bus. During communication with one of themodules, the external programming device loads code onto the subsystemcontroller of the selected module. The code loaded may set or update thefirmware code for the processor and allows the external device toprogram the module.

FIGS. 13-20 illustrate another embodiment of the microwave generator 110of FIG. 1 . Similar to the microwave generator 110 of FIG. 2 , themicrowave generator 1300 of FIG. 13 includes microwave module 1325,instrument monitoring module 1330, RTP monitoring module 1335, and userinterface module 1340. As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 13 , themicrowave module 1325 outputs a 2.45 GHz signal at 150 W; althoughmicrowave module 1325 may output any microwave signal having a desiredfrequency and power level. The user interface module 1340 connects to afront panel overlay and knobs disposed on the physical body of themicrowave generator 1300.

The microwave generator 1300 of FIG. 13 also includes an AC/DC powersupply 1310, a power distribution module 1315, fans 1318, and a systemcontroller module 1320. The power supply 1310 supplies DC power to boththe microwave module 1325 and the power distribution module 1315. Thepower distribution module 1315 generates various DC voltages forpowering modules and other circuitry of the microwave module 1325, theinstrument monitoring module 1330, the RTP monitoring module 1335, theuser interface module 1340, the fans 1318, and the system controllermodule 1320. The power distribution module 1315 includes powerelectronics circuitry, such as a buck converter, to convert the DCvoltage output from the power supply 1310 to a lower DC voltage that isappropriate for the modules 1320, 1325, 1330, 1335, and 1340, and fans1318 in the microwave generator 1300. For example, the powerdistribution module 1315 may step down the voltage output from the powersupply 1310 from 36 V to 12 V. The modules 1315, 1325, 1330, 1335, and1340 are coupled to each other and/or to the system controller module1320 via a serial peripheral interface bus (SPI Bus) 1332 that isdisposed in the microwave generator in the form, for example, of tracesof a printed circuit board. In some embodiments, the SPI Bus 1332connects each of the microwave module 1325, the instrument monitoringmodule 1330, the RTP module 1335, and the user interface module 1340 tothe system controller module 1320 in parallel.

The system controller module 1320 includes an Input/Output (I/O) port1322, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port 1324 with a voltage output,e.g., a 5 VDC output, a service port 1326, and a footswitch port towhich a footswitch 140 may be connected. In some embodiments, the systemcontroller module 1320 acts as an interface between external devices orcomputers and the modules of the microwave generator 1300, which may bedesigned to operate independently of the system controller module 1320.

Many of the modules of the microwave generator 1300 according to theembodiment of FIG. 13 include an FPGA, an isolation block, and atemperature sensor. This allows each of the modules to operateindependently and facilitates the modularity of the microwave generator1300. Thus, for example, the microwave module 1325 may be incorporatedinto any surgical generator system or microwave generator so long as thesurgical generator system or microwave generator provides an appropriateAC/DC power supply.

In embodiments, the microwave generator 1300 having anappropriately-sized chassis may incorporate multiple microwave modules1325 and multiple respective instrument monitoring modules 1330 that arepowered by the AC/DC power supply 1310 and the power distribution module1315 to form a multi-channel microwave generator system to drivemultiple microwave outputs. The microwave generator 1300 may alsoincorporate multiple RTP monitoring modules 1335 having multiplerespective RTP ports 1750.

In embodiments, the system controller module 1330 can act as a “passthrough” module so that an external controller or computer can controlthe microwave module 1325 via the USB connection 1324. A operating modeswitch of the service port 1326 may be used to set the microwavegenerator 1300 to a mode that allows an external computer (not shown)running software with its own user interface to communicate with andcontrol the microwave module 1325. In some embodiments, the operatingmode switch may disable the microwave control software in the systemcontroller module 1320 and hand control over to the external computer.

In some embodiments, the system controller module 1320 does not performthe power regulation, but transmits a desired power level to themicrowave module 1325. The microwave module 1325 may incorporate its owncontroller and power regulation circuitry to generate a microwave signalhaving the desired power level. The system controller module 1320 mayrun software to determine the parameters of a desired microwave signal,e.g., the duty cycle of microwave pulses or the shape of a microwavepulse, based on data retrieved from the instrument monitoring module1330 and RTP monitoring module 1335. The system controller module 1320may then transmit the parameters of the desired microwave signal to themicrowave module 1325, which perform control and power regulation togenerate microwave signal having the parameters of the desired microwavesignal.

FIG. 14 is a circuit block diagram of the system controller module 1320of the microwave generator 1300 of FIG. 13 according to anotherembodiment of the present disclosure. The system controller module 1320includes a power regulation circuit or block 1410 that receives DC powerfrom the power distribution module 1315, a field programmable gate array(FPGA) 1420 connected to the SPI Bus 1332 and the service port 1326, amicroprocessor 1430 connected to the FPGA 1420, the service port 1326,and an isolation device 1440 that provides isolation between theinternal electronics of the system controller module 1320 and thepatient-side connections to the USB port, the footswitch, and the I/O.The system controller module 1320 and the other modules in the microwavegenerator 1300 include power regulation circuits or blocks, such aspower regulation block 1410, to condition the DC power, which isreceived from the AC/DC power supply 1310 via the power distributionmodule 1315, for the electronics of the modules.

The FPGA 1420 monitors the SPI Bus 1332 to make sure values, settings,and/or parameters of the other modules, e.g., the power distributionmodule 1315, are within safe or desired ranges or limits. For example,the FPGA 1420 monitors the packets on the SPI Bus 1332 for in-rangeparameter values and proper communications. If the parameter values areout of range or the communication rate is not normal, the FPGA 1420 canpull down the SPI Bus 1332, which triggers a failsafe condition withinthe peripheral modules.

The system controller module 1320 receives input from the service port1326 and the I/O port 1322 and provides the input to the other modulesin the microwave generator 1300. In some embodiments, the systemcontroller module 1320 is a “pass through” module for an externalcontroller (not shown) which is connected to the system controllermodule 1320 via the SPI Bus 1332. In embodiments, the FPGA 1420 isconfigured to detect a software failure and shut down the system upondetecting a software failure. In some embodiments, the data obtained byinstrument monitoring module 1330 or RTP monitoring module 1335 isprovided to the system controller module 1320 via the SPI Bus 1332. Thesystem controller module 1320 may then provide this data to othermodules, such as the microwave module 1325. In other embodiments, dataobtained by instrument monitoring module 1325 or RTP monitoring module1335 is provided directly to other modules via the SPI Bus 1332.

The microprocessor 1430 is connected to non-volatile memory 1432, areal-time clock (RTC) 1434, and a temperature sensor 1436. The serviceport or panel 1326 may include dual in-line package (DIP) switches (notshown) to turn on or off various components or functions of the systemcontroller module 1320. The USB external control/monitoring link and theI/O control lines are located within the service panel. For example, theDIP switches may be used to choose between a linear gain mode and apulse width modulation mode. As another example, the DIP switches may beused to turn off the FPGA 1420, such as in a case where testing orexternal control is being performed on the microwave generator 1300. Thesystem controller module 1320 may include ten pin I/O that is used as abinary latch to instruct or set performance of functions performed bythe microwave generator 1300.

FIG. 15 is a circuit block diagram of a microwave module of themicrowave generator 1300 of FIG. 13 according to another embodiment ofthe present disclosure. The microwave module of FIG. 15 includes FPGA1520 for monitoring the temperature values obtained from the internaltemperature monitor 420, power values from the applied power monitor450, and the power values from the reflected power monitor 460. The FPGA1520 also provides input to the PWM/linear controller 1530 and thefrequency controller 470 to adjust the settings or parameters of thePWM/linear controller 1530 and the frequency controller 470. Forexample, in embodiments, the FPGA 1520 transmits a signal to thePWM/linear controller 1530 to choose either a PWM control mode or alinear control mode. The FPGA 1520 may receive a command packet on thedigital link to configure the power regulation mode as the PWM controlmode or the linear control mode. The microwave module also includes apower regulation block 1510 that receives and monitors power provided bythe power distribution module 1315 and conditions the power so that itis appropriate for powering the various electronic components of themicrowave module 1325.

The microwave module 1325 also includes a circulator 1540 disposedbetween the isolation DC block and the applied power and reflected powerblocks. The circulator 1540 may be a passive non-reciprocal three-portdevice. The microwave signal from the applied power block may be appliedor input to a first port of the circulator 1540 and may be output via asecond port of the circulator 1540, which is connected to the DCIsolation block. A reflected microwave signal may then be input to thesecond port of the circulator 1540 and may be output to the reflectedpower block via a third port of the circulator 1540. In embodiments, themicrowave module 1325 may include the functionality of the other modulesand thus may not need to be in communication with the other modules,including the system controller module 1320. In those embodiments, themicrowave module 1325 may only need to connect to the power distributionmodule 1315 via power regulation block 1510 without requiring anycommunications with the system controller module 1320.

In some embodiments, the microwave module 1325 may bypass the systemcontroller module 1320 and communicate directly with the instrumentmonitoring module 1330, the RTP monitoring module 1335, and the userinterface module 1340 to obtain monitoring data and user input data. Inother embodiments, the microwave module 1325 may communicate with thesystem controller module 1320 only to obtain monitoring data and theuser input data stored in the system controller module 1320. In yetother embodiments, system controller module 1320 may transmit high-levelcontrol commands to the microwave module 1325. Those high-level controlcommands may be determined or generated based on the monitoring data andthe user input data.

FIG. 16 is a circuit block diagram of an instrument monitoring module1330 of the microwave generator 1300 of FIG. 13 according to anotherembodiment of the present disclosure. The instrument monitoring module1330 includes FPGA 1620 for monitoring the temperature provided by thetemperature sensor 1630 disposed in the instrument monitoring module1330, the power generated by the power regulation circuit or block 1610,and transmits and/or receives data from instrument temperature monitor550 that connects to a temperature sensor disposed on or near themicrowave instrument (not shown), a pass through circuit 570, or deviceID reader 580. The power regulation block 1610 receives and monitors theDC voltage provided from the power distribution module 1315, andconditions the DC voltage for the electronics of the instrumentmonitoring module 1330. In embodiments, the instrument monitoring module1330 monitors the health of the microwave instrument.

The power regulation circuit or block 1610 supplies DC voltage, e.g., 5VDC, to the microwave instrument via the isolation device 1640. Theisolation device 1640 may be a transformer or other similar circuitryfor electrically isolating the microwave instrument (not shown) from theinstrument monitoring module 1330.

FIG. 17 is a circuit block diagram of a remote temperature probe (RTP)monitoring module 1335 of the microwave generator 1300 of FIG. 13according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The RTPmonitoring module 1335 includes FPGA 1720 for monitoring the temperatureprovided by the temperature sensor 1730 disposed in the RTP module 1335,the power generated by the power regulation circuit or block 1710, andtransmits and/or receives data from an RTP port or interface 1750 thatconnects to an RTP (not shown). The power regulation block 1710 suppliesDC voltage, e.g., 5 VDC, to the RTP via the isolation device 1740, whichisolates the internal electronics of the RTP module 1335 from thepatient-side electronics, e.g., the electronics of the remotetemperature probe.

FIG. 18 is a circuit block diagram of a user interface module of themicrowave generator 1300 of FIG. 13 according to another embodiment ofthe present disclosure. The RTP module includes FPGA 1820 for monitoringthe temperature provided by the temperature sensor 1830 incorporatedinto the user interface module 1340, the power generated by the powerregulation circuit or block 1810, and transmits and/or receives datafrom a display and time and power knobs. Electrical isolation from theuser is provided via the physical plastic of the overlay on the displayand the knobs 1840. The FPGA 1820 is configured to provide audio signalsto speaker/driver circuitry 1815, which includes a driver which providesdrive signals to speakers incorporated into the chassis of the microwavegenerator 1300.

The power regulation block 1810 monitors the input voltage and regulatesit to a voltage level needed to power the electronic components of theuser interface module 1340. The power regulation block 1810, which issimilar to the power regulation blocks incorporated into the othermodules of the microwave generator 1300, allows for inter-module powerregulation so that appropriate voltages are supplied to variouscomponents of the modules of the microwave generator 1300. For example,the power distribution module 1315 steps down the voltage from higher DCvoltages (e.g., 30-40 VDC) to lower DC voltages (e.g., 12V). The powerregulation circuits or blocks, e.g., power regulation blocks 1410, 1510,1610, 1710, and 1810, incorporated into each of the modules then furtherstep down the lower DC voltages (e.g., 12V) to the local power supplyrequirements (e.g., 5V, 3.3V, etc.). The inter-module power regulation,e.g., via power regulation blocks 1410, 1510, 1610, 1710, and 1810,allows for each of the modules of the microwave generator 1300 toindependently meet its power requirements without depending on externalpower circuitry.

FIG. 19 is a circuit block diagram of a power distribution module 1315of the microwave generator 1300 of FIG. 13 according to an embodiment ofthe present disclosure. The power distribution module 1315 includes aDC/DC converter 1910, FPGA 1920, and a temperature sensor 1930. The FPGA1920 runs firmware that monitors the temperature provided by thetemperature sensor 1930 and the DC/DC converter 1910. In embodiments,the DC/DC converter 1910 steps down the voltage, e.g., from 36 VDC to 12VDC.

FIG. 20 is a circuit block diagram of the power supply 1310 of themicrowave generator 1300 of FIG. 13 . The power supply module or powersupply 1310 includes AC/DC converter and isolation circuitry 2010. Inembodiments, the AC/DC converter and isolation circuitry 2010 convertsan AC voltage, e.g., 100-240 VAC, to a DC voltage, e.g., 36 VDC. TheAC/DC converter and isolation circuitry 2010 includes isolationcircuitry that electrically isolates the electronic components ofmicrowave generator 1300 from the AC input.

While several embodiments of the disclosure have been shown in thedrawings and/or discussed herein, it is not intended that the disclosurebe limited thereto, as it is intended that the disclosure be as broad inscope as the art will allow and that the specification be read likewise.Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting,but merely as exemplifications of particular embodiments. Those skilledin the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spiritof the claims appended hereto.

1-20. (canceled)
 21. A microwave generator, comprising: a microwavesignal generator configured to generate a microwave signal; a generatorcontroller in communication with the microwave signal generator; a powersupply configured to supply output power to the microwave signalgenerator and the generator controller; a terminal configured toremovably couple at least one interchangeable auxiliary module to themicrowave generator independent from the microwave signal generator andthe generator controller, the at least one interchangeable auxiliarymodule configured to perform, independently of the microwave signalgenerator, at least one auxiliary operation of the microwave generator;a power distribution module electrically coupled to the power supply andconfigured to step down the output power supplied by the power supplyfor providing a stepped-down power output to the generator controller;and a power regulation circuit configured to: receive the stepped-downpower output provided by the power distribution module; and further stepdown the stepped-down power output provided by the power distributionmodule for providing a level of power to the generator controller thatis specific to a power requirement of the generator controller.
 22. Themicrowave generator according to claim 21, wherein the at least oneinterchangeable auxiliary module is configured to perform, in additionto the at least one auxiliary operation of the microwave generator, anoperation of the microwave generator provided to the auxiliary module bythe microwave signal generator.
 23. The microwave generator according toclaim 21, wherein the at least one interchangeable auxiliary module isan instrument monitoring module configured to receive informationrelating to a state or identity of an instrument coupled to themicrowave generator.
 24. The microwave generator according to claim 21,wherein the at least one interchangeable auxiliary module is configuredto receive a signal from a temperature sensor disposed within amicrowave ablation instrument coupled to the microwave generator formonitoring the temperature of the microwave ablation instrument.
 25. Themicrowave generator according to claim 21, wherein the at least oneinterchangeable auxiliary module includes an auxiliary controller thatcontrols the at least one interchangeable auxiliary module independentfrom the generator controller.
 26. The microwave generator according toclaim 25, wherein the at least one interchangeable auxiliary moduleincludes a digital bus isolator that transmits data from the auxiliarycontroller to the generator controller while electrically isolating theat least one interchangeable auxiliary module.
 27. The microwavegenerator according to claim 25, wherein the at least oneinterchangeable auxiliary module includes a power isolation transformerthat transfers power from the power supply to the auxiliary controllerwhile electrically isolating the at least one interchangeable auxiliarymodule, the auxiliary controller configured to transmit data to thegenerator controller such that the generator controller controls themicrowave signal generator based on the transmitted data.
 28. Themicrowave generator according to claim 21, wherein the at least oneinterchangeable auxiliary module is configured to draw power from thepower supply upon coupling of the at least one interchangeable auxiliarymodule to the terminal, wherein the draw of power is configured to bedetected by the generator controller to provide an indication to thegenerator controller that the at least one interchangeable auxiliarymodule is coupled to the terminal.
 29. The microwave generator accordingto claim 21, wherein the generator controller is configured tocommunicate a query signal to the terminal for determining if the atleast one interchangeable auxiliary module is coupled to the terminal.30. The microwave generator according to claim 29, wherein the terminalis configured to provide power from the power supply to the at least oneinterchangeable auxiliary module based on a response from the terminalto the query signal communicated from the generator controller.
 31. Themicrowave generator according to claim 21, wherein the power regulationcircuit is disposed within the generator controller.
 32. A microwavegenerator, comprising: a microwave signal generator configured togenerate a microwave signal; a generator controller in communicationwith the microwave signal generator; a power supply configured to supplyoutput power to the microwave signal generator and the generatorcontroller; a power distribution module electrically coupled to thepower supply and configured to step down the output power supplied bythe power supply for providing a stepped-down power output to thegenerator controller; and a power regulation circuit disposed within thegenerator controller and configured to: receive the stepped-down poweroutput provided by the power distribution module; and further step downthe stepped-down power output provided by the power distribution modulefor providing a level of power to the generator controller that isspecific to a power requirement of the generator controller.
 33. Themicrowave generator according to claim 31, further comprising a userinterface module configured to operably couple to a user interface ofthe microwave generator and communicate user input received at the userinterface to the generator controller for controlling the microwavesignal generator.
 34. The microwave generator according to claim 31,further comprising a terminal configured to removably couple at leastone interchangeable auxiliary module to the microwave generatorindependent from the microwave signal generator and the generatorcontroller, the at least one interchangeable auxiliary module configuredto perform, independently of the microwave signal generator, at leastone auxiliary operation of the microwave generator.
 35. The microwavegenerator according to claim 34, wherein the at least oneinterchangeable auxiliary module is configured to perform, in additionto the at least one auxiliary operation of the microwave generator, anoperation of the microwave generator provided to the auxiliary module bythe microwave signal generator
 36. The microwave generator according toclaim 34, wherein the at least one interchangeable auxiliary module isan instrument monitoring module configured to receive informationrelating to a state or identity of an instrument coupled to themicrowave generator.
 37. The microwave generator according to claim 34,wherein the at least one interchangeable auxiliary module is configuredto receive a signal from a temperature sensor disposed within amicrowave ablation instrument coupled to the microwave generator formonitoring the temperature of the microwave ablation instrument.
 38. Themicrowave generator according to claim 34, wherein the at least oneinterchangeable auxiliary module includes an auxiliary controller thatcontrols the at least one interchangeable auxiliary module independentfrom the generator controller.
 39. The microwave generator according toclaim 38, wherein the at least one interchangeable auxiliary moduleincludes a digital bus isolator that transmits data from the auxiliarycontroller to the generator controller while electrically isolating theat least one interchangeable auxiliary module.
 40. A microwavegenerator, comprising: a microwave signal generator configured togenerate a microwave signal; a generator controller in communicationwith the microwave signal generator; a power supply configured to supplyoutput power to the microwave signal generator and the generatorcontroller; a power distribution module electrically coupled to thepower supply and configured to step down the output power supplied bythe power supply for providing a stepped-down power output to thegenerator controller; and a power regulation circuit disposed within thegenerator controller and configured to further step down thestepped-down power output provided by the power distribution module forproviding a level of power to the generator controller that is specificto a power requirement of the generator controller.